CONGO WEEK: BREAKING THE SILENCE

OCTOBER 20-26, 2013

Background

Breaking the Silence Congo Week is a week of activities that commemorates the millions of lives lost in the Congo conflict while celebrating the enormous human and natural potential that exists in the country.

Communities throughout the globe join in partnership with Congolese each year on the third week of October to screen films, hold teach-ins and forums, organize rallies, host fundraisers, put on concerts and undertake many other activities to elevate the profile of the Congo throughout the globe. Students and community organizers initiated Congo Week in 2008.

2. AFTER THE ATTACK OF M23 ON MUTAHO (NORTH KIVU)

3. FIGHTING IN BUKAVU (SOUTH KIVU)

4. A LETTER FROM THE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH TO PRESIDENT KABILA

Congolese Men and Women Religious, members of General Councils and those working at general houses in Rome

INVITATION

Congolese Men and Women religious, members of General Councils and those working at general houses in Rome cordially invite you to enhance, by your presence, the prayer service that they are organizing on the 53rd anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This service is being held in the context of the search for solutions to the multifaceted crisis afflicting the entire country, victim of a never-ending war.

Here is what the program will look like :

– Saturday, June 29, from 6-10 P.M: Prayer vigil at the Congolese Catholic chaplaincy located at Piazza di Pasquino, n° 2, in front of the Brazilian embassy, and near Piazza Navona

– Sunday, June 30, at 9 A.M. : Gathering at St. Peter’s Square for a prayer service in support of peace in the Congo, followed by the Angelus and the Blessing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

This invitation is addressed to all religious congregations and institutes, to all the sons ands daughters of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to all the friends of the Congo.

Drafted in Rome on June 3, 2013, the feast of the Ugandan Martyrs.

On behalf of Congolese Men and Women Religious, members of General Councils, and those working at general houses in Rome,